Welcome to Hanoi, the cultural and historical heart of Vietnam. With over a thousand years of history, Hanoi beautifully blends the old and the new, where ancient temples stand beside French colonial villas, and modern cafés buzz with youthful energy.
This contrast is what makes Hanoi such a unique and unforgettable experience. In this guide, we’ll take you through the city’s must-see destinations, helping you discover its hidden gems and vibrant streets alike. Because exploring Hanoi is more than just sightseeing, but a sensory journey through sound, scent, and flavor.
At the center of Hanoi lies Hoan Kiem Lake, a peaceful oasis that perfectly reflects the city’s rhythm, calm at dawn, vibrant by night. In the early morning, the lake awakens gently. Locals gather for their daily routines: elderly groups practicing tai chi, friends jogging along the water’s edge, and vendors preparing tea or selling sticky rice and warm bánh khúc for breakfast. It’s one of the best places to feel the quiet charm of Hanoi life.
(Source: ducbinh90)
As the sun sets, the area transforms. On weekends, the streets surrounding the lake turn into Walking Street, a pedestrian only zone alive with street performers, live music, and families enjoying the cool night air. The atmosphere is festive yet laid-back, a beautiful balance of culture and community
Best time to visit: Weekend evenings, when the entire area lights up with energy, laughter, and street sounds
(Source: Collected)
Just a few steps away, you’ll find the Old Quarter, known as the soul of Hanoi. Its 36 ancient streets are lined with narrow shop houses, local eateries, and colonial facades that have stood for centuries. It’s a maze of sights, scents, and sounds, where you can explore bustling Dong Xuan Market, enjoy a drink on lively Ta Hien Street, or admire the Gothic beauty of St. Joseph’s Cathedral.
Best time to visit: Weekend evenings, when the entire area lights up with energy, laughter, and street sounds
Pay attention to traffic signs and one-way streets when navigating the Old Quarter.
Be cautious when crossing, the traffic flow can seem chaotic but moves are predictable once you observe it.
Bring your phone for quick translations or a digital map.
Many shops and food stalls are cash-only, so make sure to carry some Vietnamese đồng.
Local Food
When hunger strikes, you’ll find plenty of local favorites nearby, here are some local food recommendations around Hoan Kiem Lake and Old Quarter Street:
Bánh mì Phố
Address: 57C Đinh Tiên Hoàng, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội
Phone: 0963 930 055
Famous for its crispy baguette and flavorful fillings, a must-try Hanoi-style bánh mì just steps from the lake
Bún Đậu Hàng Khay
Address: At the end of Alley 31 Hàng Khay (left-hand side), Hoàn Kiếm
Opening hours: Until 9:00 PM
A local favorite serving bún đậu mắm tôm, a rustic noodle dish with tofu, herbs, and fermented shrimp paste.
Bánh khúc Quân
Address: 35 Cầu Gỗ, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội
Warm sticky rice balls filled with mung bean and pork, wrapped in aromatic khúc leaves, perfect for a quick breakfast.
Phở Khôi Hói
(Michelin Guide Recommended)
Address: 50C Hàng Vải, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội
A long-standing eatery known for its rich, clear broth and tender beef slices, classic Hanoi phở at its finest.
Bánh mì Kem Trứng Bà Khanh
(Bà Khanh’s Whipped Egg Cream with Bread)
Address: 55B Hai Bà Trưng, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội
Opening hours: 7:30 AM – 9:00 PM
A Hanoi-style treat where warm crispy bread is dipped into a rich, frothy egg cream, simple, nostalgic, and utterly delicious
Bún Riêu Sườn Sụn Bà Điếc
Address: 68 Nguyễn Thiếp Street, Old Quarter, Hoàn Kiếm, Hanoi
Opening hours: 6:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Phone: 0968 156 207
A beloved late-night spot serving bún riêu, a flavorful crab noodle soup topped with tender pork ribs and crunchy cartilage. Locals love it for its rich broth and authentic Hanoi street-food atmosphere.
Tucked away in the heart of Hanoi’s Old Quarter, Train Street is one of the city’s most iconic and surprising sights. Here, a working railway line runs just inches from local homes – so close that residents must pull in their motorbikes, chairs, and laundry whenever the train approaches. The narrow alley suddenly fills with anticipation, and within seconds, the massive locomotive roars past, leaving only the scent of metal and coffee in the air.
Watching the train pass while sitting at a small café is a truly unique Hanoi experience. You can sip your iced coffee, chat with the locals, and feel the thrilling rush as the train glides by just a few feet away.
Today, visitors should be mindful of safety regulations – access to certain parts of the street may be restricted, and it’s important to follow local guidelines and stay within designated café areas
Best time for photos: Late afternoon or early evening, when the light is soft and the train schedule aligns with the golden hour.
Recommended cafés:
- Little Forest Café – cozy and green, offering a perfect front-row view of the train passing by.
- The Railway Hanoi – a classic stop with great Vietnamese coffee and friendly owners.
- Coffee 75 – known for its authentic atmosphere and close proximity to the tracks.
- Train Track Café – ideal for capturing photos and videos safely from the café’s balcony.
Whether you’re a photographer, coffee lover, or simply curious about Hanoi’s local life, Train Street is a must-see spot that captures the city’s bold character and intimate charm.
Hanoi is known for its busy and bustling lifestyle. However, there’s a place that offers a peaceful escape from the city’s chaos, Hồ Tây, also known as West Lake. Beloved by locals and visitors alike, this tranquil spot provides a perfect balance to the capital’s lively energy.
Watching the train pass while sitting at a small café is a truly unique Hanoi experience. You can sip your iced coffee, chat with the locals, and feel the thrilling rush as the train glides by just a few feet away.
Today, visitors should be mindful of safety regulations – access to certain parts of the street may be restricted, and it’s important to follow local guidelines and stay within designated café areas
We highly recommend these following cafe and brunch for the best sunset view:
- Two Chairs Coffee Lab
- Address: 68 Nguyễn Thiếp Street, Old Quarter, Hoàn Kiếm, Hanoi
- CILAS Coffee & Pastry
- Address: 139 P. Quảng An, Quảng An, Tây Hồ, Hà Nội
- PingPong café & décor (brunch)
- Address: 148 P. Từ Hoa, Quảng An, Tây Hồ, Hà Nội
For a truly unique experience around West Lake, make sure to stop by NOTE – The Scent Lab, a creative fragrance studio where visitors can craft their own personalized perfumes. Located inside Lotte Mall, one of Hanoi’s largest malls, it offers a special way to capture your memories of Vietnam. Letting the scent tell your story, a memory in a bottle to take home.
- Address: Store 410, Tầng 4, Lotte Mall Tây Hồ, Võ Chí Công, Quận Tây Hồ, Thủ Đô Hà Nội Hà Nội
Beyond its lively streets and historic charm, Hanoi also boasts a thriving culture of hidden cafés and rooftop lounges. Tucked away in narrow alleys, behind old French façades, or up secret staircases, these cozy spots offer visitors a unique glimpse into the city’s creative spirit and everyday life.
Here are two hidden treasures you shouldn’t miss:
30Days Cafe
A beautifully designed café with elegant, classical architecture, hidden in a quiet alley. The calm, timeless atmosphere makes it the perfect place to slow down and enjoy a cup of coffee away from the city buzz.
Address: 19 Ngõ 10, Phố Láng Hạ, Thành Công, Ba Đình, Hà Nội
Dot café
Tucked inside an old apartment building, Dot Café feels like stepping back in time to Hanoi of the early 2000s. With vintage décor, soft lighting, and gentle music, it’s a nostalgic hideaway for anyone who loves the city’s old charm.
Address: 76 Phố Trần Quốc Toản, Trần Hưng Đạo, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội
As evening falls, follow the glow of city lights upward to one of Hanoi’s rooftop lounges and pubs. It is the perfect way to end your day in the capital. Relax with good music, refreshing drinks, and panoramic views of the city skyline as night settles over the streets below.
Here are our top 3 recommendations:
Lighthouse Sky Bar
- Located in the heart of the Old Quarter, this elegant bar offers stunning sunset views and a lively evening atmosphere.
- Opening hours: Monday–Sunday, 17:00–00:00
- Address: 27A Phố Hàng Bè, Hàng Bạc, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội
Terraco Sky Bar
- Perched atop La Sinfonia del Rey Hotel & Spa, just steps away from Hoàn Kiếm Lake, Terraco Sky Bar offers breathtaking views of the city’s shimmering skyline and the tranquil waters below. It’s an ideal spot for cocktails under the stars.
- Opening hours: Monday–Sunday, 17:00–00:00
- Address: La Sinfonia del Rey Hotel & Spa, 33–35 Phố Hàng Dầu, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội
The Alchemist
- Hidden in the heart of the Old Quarter, The Alchemist is a sophisticated and intimate cocktail bar that captures Hanoi’s growing craft mixology scene.
- Opening hours: Tuesday–Sunday, 17:00–01:00; Monday, 20:00–01:00
- Address: 25 Phố Bát Sứ, Hàng Bồ, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội
Hanoi is a city full of surprises, a place with many faces. It’s a captivating blend of the modern and the ancient, where tradition and energy intertwine at every turn. From tranquil mornings by Hoàn Kiếm Lake to golden sunsets over West Lake, and from the hum of Train Street to the charm of hidden cafés and rooftop views, every corner tells its own story.
